Bob DiBasio, senior vice president of public affairs for the Cleveland Indians, announces promotions and events for the upcoming season, including an Albert Belle bobble head doll depicting the pose Belle struck when the Boston Red Sox had his bat inspected for corking. DiBasio was speaking at the annual "What's New at Progressive Field" event.

That's the game plan for the Indians front office as they try to re-connect with fans during the 2013 season.

Calling them "our four guiding commitments," Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio said Wednesday that the team will again focus on baseball, fans, Progressive Field and community.

DiBiasio said the team's effort to win back fans began last October, shortly after the Indians skidded to their third straight season of 90 or more losses and saw home attendance slip to 1,603,596, 29th among 30 teams.

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On Oct. 6, 2012, former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona ended his one-year hiatus from the dugout and agreed to manage the Indians.

Francona, whose father, Tito, played for the Indians in the late 1950s and early 1960s, led the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007.

"He's one of us," DiBiasio said of Francona. "He knows uniquely what it means to be a Cleveland Indians fan and what this team means to the community."

The hiring of Francona was followed by a series of trades and free-agent signings that changed the public perception of the ballclub and its ownership.

"Our direction remained clear after struggling through the losing seasons," DiBiasio said. "We needed to get back in the good graces of fans and get the team moving in the right direction."

Geared toward fans was the decision to launch the "4-3-2-1" initiative at concession stands.

For all 81 home games, 12-ounce draft and can beer will sell for $4. Hot dogs prices will begin at $3 and soda refills will cost $2.

There also will be 15 $1 hot dog nights, up from nine last season.

"We're lowering prices based on feedback we got in fan surveys," said Indians Vice President of Concessions Kurt Schloss.

"We asked fans what they thought were permanent barriers to attending games at Progressive Field, and they told us the largest of those barriers was concession prices."

Schloss said that while he's confident fans will respond positively to the rollback of these concession prices, he has a wait-and-see attitude on whether that reception will be reflected in an uptick at the ticket windows.

Also announced Wednesday was a roster of 20 promotional giveaways, up from 11 last season.

They include bobbleheads of former 1990s-era stars Albert Belle and Omar Vizquel, a Rocky Colavito Hall of Fame plaque and replica jerseys of current players Nick Swisher, Jason Kipnis, Michael Bourn and Michael Brantley.

There will be 16 fireworks nights, as well.

"We want to provide the best in sports entertainment, family atmosphere and value for our fans," DiBiasio said.

The Indians open the season April 2 in Toronto. The home opener is scheduled for April 8 against the New York Yankees.